BEAUTY & THE FEAST

Saturday, March 18, 2017

Cheesy film references aside, Purva Indulkar tells you about the gorgeous presentation and lip-smacking flavours at the new rooftop at Raasta Bombay

After a hectic day of work, I found myself climbing up the wooden staircase at Raasta Bombay, armed with good company and hoping for a relaxing evening. To my relief, the brown and red hued walls and bright yellow lights drew us into the warm space, which more closely resembled a well-decorated cave than a bright rooftop. A cave that had Bob Marley songs blaring from every crevice, that is. Walking out on to the rustic rooftop restaurant, which seems to have décor that has been inspired by villages in the country, we found plenty of deliberately chipped paint and wooden planks purposefully stuck in awkward positions around the place. Along with a bar and barbecue station on one side and thinly cushioned chairs pushed into the tables all around, there were also large, untidy flower pots lining the terrace that (thankfully) didn’t take away from the spectacular view of the city. Although it doesn’t take your breath away quite like looking out over the Queen’s necklace or the Sea Link, Raasta Bombay offers a view of the city that doesn’t sway too much from its character — construction and crowded streets.

We began the evening by ordering the Raasta Special (Rs 180) and Cookies & Cream Shake (Rs 175). The mocktail served in a large glass was a colourful union of couscous, cranberry and apple that was a little too heavy. And, it was a bit too sweet. Arriving in a cute mason jar, the Cookies & Cream shake combined Oreo cookies, milk and ice-cream. Although it could’ve been presented with a bit more style, it was an instant hit because of its creamy consistency and crunchy cookie bits.

We smelled the Chilli Garlic Chicken (Rs 325) before we spotted it, and it was as delicious as it smelled. The soft chunks of chicken tossed in garlic, chillies and bell pepper just melt in your mouth. The tender meat juices and the kick that the pepper gives you as you dig into it make this dish a standout option. The Great Grilled Vegetable Platter (Rs 795) was disappointing. It included a variety of vegetables grilled with a range of sauces, but none of them left a memorable aftertaste. Eat this while it’s hot or it will become slightly rubbery and dry. We picked the Drunken Pepper Prawns (Rs 795) next, and while the meat was tender, the juices hadn’t soaked into it completely, so it tasted quite bland. The highlight of our meal though, was the Lamb Jalapeno Cheese Cigars (Rs 355). While I don’t always like lamb, the mashed up meat here didn’t taste too much like it, which, coming from me, is a compliment. A crispy roll of flaky pastry stuffed with corn, lamb mince and melting cheese, this is a must-have from their menu.

The Reggae Reggae Nachos (Rs 325) were not the best nachos I’ve had, but if you’re bringing a crew and need a snack to add to the soirée, then this basket served on a tiny bicycle is a good pick. Moving on to the desserts, we picked the Lemon Tart (Rs 195), which turned out to be a simple, but impressive dessert. After the indulgent meal we had, the tart offered a much needed refreshing lift. But, it has a stickier consistency than I’d have liked, and it was a little too lemony. The Sticky Toffee Pudding (Rs 195), on the other hand, was delightful. The consistency was creamy and soft, and it offered up a heady pudding-like texture, which I simply loved. And, the vanilla ice-cream helped enhance the flavour.

I’d visit Raasta again just to have another go at their Cheese Cigars and another plate of the Sticky Toffee Pudding. While the music can be a little too loud for people who want to focus on their food, it’s a terrific spot for a Friday night with your friends. If you count yourself among the fans of barbecue specials and good desserts with a view, a trip to Raasta Bombay is a must.

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